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Diversity There are 9,000 different species of sponges. They are diverse in shape, size, and color. Some consist of a single cylinder, while others branch out irregularly over the sea floor or lake bottoms. Sponges are among the simplest of invertebrates groups.

Characteristics Sponges lack true tissues and organs. The body of most sponges consists of two layers separated by a jelly-like material. The outer layer of cells protects the interior of the sponge and also has many pores through which water can enter the sponge. The inner layer of cells lines the central cavity of the sponge. These cells called collar cells, have flagella.

Characteristics cont’d Adult sponges are sessile. They are anchored in place. Cannot run and hide. Sponges have chemical defenses that protect them from possible predators, disease organisms, and parasites. Include toxins that keep predators from eating them. Also include powerful antibiotics that fight bacterial infections.

Digestion Wandering through jelly-like material are cells called amoebocytes. Sponges ingest food by action of their collar cells. The flagella generate water currents that move water through the sponges pores into the central cavity. Collar cells trap food particles in mucus. Amoebocytes then engulf the particles and transport them to other cells.

Reproduction Sponges live singly or in clusters formed by budding. Budding: form of asexual reproduction in which new sponges develop from an outgrowth of the parent organism. Small fragments of a sponge can grow into an entire new sponge. Sponges can also reproduce sexually. Most have both male and female gamete-producing structures in the same organism. Zygotes develop into flagellated larvae.

Organisms in this phylum Red Sponge(Cliona Vastifica)Purple Sponge(Haliclona) Yellow Sponge(Leucetta chagosensis) Tube Sponge(Callyspongia Vaginalis) Vase Sponge(Ircinia Campana)

Sources /pictures/Porifera.html /pictures/Porifera.html